Denise Darcel, a French film actress, died December 23, 2011, after a ruptured aneurysm. She was 86.
Born in Paris, Darcel moved to the United States in the 1940s after being named “The Most Beautiful Girl in France." Her film career started with To the Victor in 1948. She also starred with George Reeves and Ralph Byrd in Thunder in the Pines that same year. Tarzan and the Slave Girl and Vera Cruz further made her name in the 1950s.
Known for her sex appeal and sense of humor, Darcel also played opposite funny leading men in television. She hosted her own TV quiz show called Gamble on Love in 1954.
Other TV appearances included the series TIghtrope, Naked City and Combat!
She is survived by her two sons.
